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trace

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noun

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as in hint
an almost imperceptible sign of something there didn't seem to be so much as a trace of the truth to anything he said

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot followed the traces of the deer into the deep woods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trace distinct from other similar nouns?

The words track and vestige are common synonyms of trace. While all three words mean "a perceptible sign made by something that has passed," trace may suggest any line, mark, or discernible effect.

the killer left no traces

When could track be used to replace trace?

The synonyms track and trace are sometimes interchangeable, but track implies a continuous line that can be followed.

the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs

When might vestige be a better fit than trace?

The words vestige and trace can be used in similar contexts, but vestige applies to a tangible reminder such as a fragment or remnant of what is past and gone.

boulders that are vestiges of the last ice age

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of trace
Verb
The project has been years in the making, with its roots tracing back to 2016 when Baker and TORRES first played a show together. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025 Photographed by Ace Amir The tradition dates back to the 1700s, but there’s no neat way to trace its lineage. Harriet Shepherd, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
Commando’s seamless bodysuit lacks any traces of elastic, trim, or taping, ensuring a skintight fit without the pressure. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025 Leave no trace: bring a five-gallon bucket to catch any spills and store trash. Andrea Agostini Ferrer, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trace
Verb
  • Under Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, the Space Force has defined a highly effective strategy; corresponding operational concepts and technologies; and a new training regimen to ensure U.S. equities in space are secured.
    David A. Deptula, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines atmospheric rivers as long, narrow corridors in the atmosphere that carry large amounts of water vapor.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Beyond that, there’s no clear frontrunner quite yet, but this runners and riders overview is a good place to starting tracking the field.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
  • On this final day of February, the S & P 500 was tracking for a 3% monthly decline, as of Thursday's close.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Special Birding Trails About 200 miles of trails makes up The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail along Alabama's Gulf coast.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The nine-room inn sits above the farm and is surrounded by eight miles of hiking trails.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • All roads and detours that started Saturday evening for the Sunday event will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, March 10.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections and 2028 presidential race, a prominent candidate with national ambitions would face a very tricky road running for new positions in back-to-back election cycles.
    Joshua Spivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The controller then directed the Mesa plane onto a path that risked a collision, triggering cockpit alarms in both planes.
    Aaron Cooper, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Money & Markets 10 high-paying and fast-growing jobs that don't require a college degree There are lots of great fields out there for people who didn't go to college By Start Slideshow Start Slideshow For many, the path to success starts with obtaining a college degree.
    Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • These images show a grainy violet sea, bright vistas, chipped marble relics and blurred figures.
    Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • It was established by then-president Barack Obama in 2015 to protect the region’s biodiversity including tule elk, relic prairies and riparian habitat.
    Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • After being made aware of her video, Monadnock Food Co-op had to issue a recall and refunds for their organic red quinoa, organic white quinoa, organic tri-color quinoa, organic cornmeal, organic polenta, organic coconut shreds, and their raw walnuts.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The affected products include quinoa, cornmeal, polenta, coconut shreds and walnuts.
    Terry Dickerson, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Some saw that as a hint to his future involvement and a firm commitment to the youngster, but Fortea has not returned to Ancelotti’s training sessions since playing in two Under-19 European Championship qualifiers with Spain in November.
    Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • These protections, granted at a time when the auto industry boomed and no hint of competition from foreign automakers crested the horizon, would not be considered burdensome for the Detroit Three for decades.
    Jackie Charniga, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trace. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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